University News

WIU Greek Organizations Raise More than $60,000 Through Community Service

June 23, 2014

MACOMB, IL – The fraternities and sororities of Western Illinois University raised nearly $61,000 for charitable organizations through community service and chapter philanthropy during the 2013-2014 academic year.

The 29 social Greek-lettered organizations on campus raised $60,829 for local and national charities and performed 10,795 hours of community service.

The Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) fraternity again led fundraising totals, bringing in a total of $19,668. Much of the fraternity's charitable giving was made possible by its annual "Smokin' Hog" barbeque, with proceeds donated to Macomb-area charities. The AGR chapter also put in 2,045 hours of community service during the academic year.

The Chi Omega sorority led the Greek community's community service hours, putting in a total of 2,200 hours and raising $12,513 for local and national charities. The sorority holds an annual "Walk for Wishes" walk/run event to raise money for the national Make a Wish Foundation.

"It is exciting to see, for a second year in a row, the WIU fraternity/sorority community perform more than 10,000 hands-on hours of service and raise over $60,000 for local and national charities," said Nicholas Katz, assistant director of Student Activities – Greek life. "Service and philanthropy is one of the core tenants that connect all of the fraternity and sorority chapters here at WIU. The concept of giving back begins almost immediately through the recruitment and new member process of each of these groups. I am so proud that the fraternity and sorority members at WIU continue to set the bar and be role models for other students on campus in regard to giving back."

Other Greek organizations leading the community service hours category include the Alpha Sigma Tau and Sigma Sigma Sigma sororities with 1,328 hours each, the Delta Zeta sorority with 1,249 hours and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity with 508 hours.